Bracelet options - link removal

[Colin10101]

Hello,

I recently bought a Tudor mid size for my girlfriend. The bracelet is too big for her wrists however. It does not look like any of the links are removable and the micro adjustment is not enough. I need links out. What are my options here? Am I forced to get a strap?

Thanks,

[NKflyer]

Oh man, you're going to have fun adjusting that one! It's a "folded link" design and to remove links, you need to pry open the center sections from the underneath enough to remove the adjacent link and then press (close) the bent center section back into place. I use a very small screwdriver to pry and then something blunt, like the rounded end of a pen to close the links. It's not too tough after you've practiced a few times, but expect some deformed and/or scratched parts initially. Do an internet search for "removing folded links"... lots of info out there.

[Fredrik]

I have successfully added a link(same procedure) to such a bracelet by using a credit card to carefully open a link just enough to get it apart and then using the same credit card to slowly press it closed again. A credit card is plastic and thin and it is hard to damage the bracelet with it, but it also takes some patience and time to do it.

It should be possible to find a jeweler or watch maker with the correct tools that have experience with folded link bracelets to do it for you too.

[10after10]

For me, masking tape has always helped me keep scratching to a minimum.
I have fat clumsy hands and I do often have tools slip out when using force.

[Tylden Reed]

Hi Fredrik.
If the links open by using a credit card my guess is that the links are worn where they rub together. My tip is that, if the 'card trick' doesn't work, then a sharp watchmaker's case knife will do the job ( a small pocket knife would be a good substitute). I close the links with a hard wood tool shaped like a blunt screwdriver with a round polished end. 10after10's idea of masking the area is a good one. Good luck!

[jatco]

..From here...
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...2&goto=newpost

05carbondrz ..Post #3:http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=437005
.
..To here...
Thanks 05carbondrz...
I was searching for such posts, but I guess I wasnt using the correct 'phrasiology'....
I might give it a go...!!

[jatco]

..Hi Colin -
.Did you get to do the adjustment..?? -
If so, which side of the bracelet did you remove at the clasp..-6 o'clock or 12..?
I have 5 links on the 6 side and 6 links on the 12 o'clock. I guess I would go with removing 1 link from the 6 and then play with the micro adjustment... The 2nd link from the clasp on the 12 o'clock side starts to 'fan' out..and bit wider..than the 1st at the clasp...!.....

[jatco]

..Welll.... I decided to give it a whirl...!! - Nothing ventured,..nothing gained. Sorry for the mediocre pics from the Iphone..
.
..Working from the 6 o'clock side of the bracelet, I disengaged the clasp, flipped it over and my starting link was exposed enough to get a CC in there to start and pry it open..
Pic 1-2
.
Pried the link open enough to disengage the link from the left side. Used a stiff straight edge to pry further.. masked off the ends of the links..
Pic 3-4.
.
Same procedure to the link on the right side...and removed the link..
Pics 5-6
.
While the links were removed, I cleaned them up with a tooth brush, reconnected clasp link to bracelet link and crimped/compressed the fold-over with a small piece of hard wood on a hard surface..(desk).
Pics 7-8.
...
..Reconnected the bracelet, minor adjustment to the fold over clasp and 'Bingo' .. Complete...
.
Watch fits much better now, doesn't flip around my wrist and clasp aligns pretty well with the face of the watch...
.
Pics 9-10..
.
..Pretty pleased with the change..and the way it turned out...!!!

[MoonPrince]

I just did this procedure with help from your pictures. Thank you jatco!!

[jatco]

Originally Posted by MoonPrince

I just did this procedure with help from your pictures. Thank you jatco!!

Right on...and Welcome to the forums...Glad that worked out for you. .
and Great 1st post.